VA supports research into the link between injuries and mental health

How often do (former) elite kickboxers experience mental health problems? And is there a link with injuries or concussions they sustained earlier? Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam UMC) will be researching this shortly. The VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch combat sports authority) is contributing to the study. It is in the interest of the athletes that the research produces a clear result.

Some of the A-class and B-class kickboxers will shortly receive an invitation to take part in medical-scientific research. Participation in this research is voluntary.

The research has been set up by Amsterdam UMC, AMC location, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. The research will be carried out among (former) elite kickboxers.

Combat sports athletes at elite level must be in good mental and physical condition in order to fight a kickboxing bout. Psychological symptoms and disorders are relatively common among elite athletes. Examples include low mood, panic attacks and eating disorders. They can affect performance.

Mental health cannot be seen separately from physical health. Psychological symptoms can increase the risk of physical injury. Recovery can also be delayed.

The upcoming research consists of a questionnaire. Completing it takes about fifteen minutes. Questions are asked about a number of mental symptoms, and about sports injuries or concussions.

The researchers want to find out how often psychological symptoms occur among (former) elite kickboxers. They also want to know whether there is a link with injuries and concussions.

The knowledge this yields can hopefully help to prevent and treat problems among (former) elite kickboxers.

Carrying out the research is therefore in the interest of the athletes. That is why the VA hopes that everyone who receives an invitation will take part.

Those responsible for the research are:

Sharaisha Bilgoe (researcher conducting the study)
Prof. dr. G.M.M.J. Kerkhoffs
Prof. dr. V. Gouttebarge

Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Amsterdam UMC, AMC location